In the MMORPG Black Desert, there is no maximum level. However, the curve of required experience increases with each new level. The German player Florian aka RisingSun was the first European to reach level 67. We from MeinMMO asked him about his tricks and motivations for leveling up.
How long did it take him to reach level 67? In 2020, we reported that RisingSun was the first player from Europe to reach level 66. Now, just over two years later, he leveled up again as the first European to the next stage:
- On March 27, 2020, he achieved level 66.
- On January 11, 2022, he reached the milestone of 50% of the required experience points to level 67.
- On July 8, 2022, he achieved the level-up.
It is noticeable that the first 50% took significantly longer than the second 50%. This is because there is a new, fast method for leveling up. Additionally, motivation increases as one gets closer to the goal.
You can watch the level-up to level 67 in this clip, as RisingSun is actively streaming on Twitch as PvEnvironment:
The first player to reach level 67 worldwide was, by the way, an American. He managed this back in March 2022.
A mix of active grinding and AFK hitting the dummies
How did RisingSun level up? In an interview with MeinMMO, the player revealed the three methods he relied on. He grinded the most at the Gyfin Rhasia Temple.
This location was revamped on February 9, 2022. The lower sections were changed to grind spots for solo players. Additionally, with the major winter expansion, a new equipment slot was added: the artifacts. Through these, additional EXP buffs can be obtained (via BlackDesertFoundry).
At the Gyfin Rhasia Temple, with all available buffs, one can achieve about 0.05% experience points per hour. Leveling from 66 to 67 there would thus require about 2,000 hours of grinding. Moreover, you need 300 AP and 380 DP to farm there easily.
The two other methods used were:
- The Red Battlefield (PvP). To be successful here, you need to “snipe” rounds where you join shortly before the lock. This lock occurs 10 minutes before the round ends. This way, with additional quests, one can earn about 0.1% experience per hour.
- The training dummies. Here you pay silver to then hit the dummies automatically for hours, without having to be at the PC. This brings about 0.008% of experience points per hour.
RisingSun also emphasizes that leveling on the battlefield is rather unpopular in the community. Many who are leveling are not very interested in the outcome of the round and often see no active PvP players.
Why does he even put himself through this grind? To this question, RisingSun replied:
I always wonder if there has to be a reason for it. For me, the grind with several goals, that is, experience points and silver, makes more sense than pure grinding for money. The positive feedback from many people additionally motivates and confirms me.
In 2020, he emphasized in our interview that he could also distract himself well from the grind of the crap he went through. We from MeinMMO have experienced this ourselves:
If people want to grind to high levels, RisingSun definitely recommends the Gyfin Rhasia Temple. This is said to be the third best place to earn money and by far the best place to farm EXP. The level-ups from 64 to 65 and 65 to 66 are said to take only a few weeks.
Anyone who wants to get to level 61 can refer to our level guide for beginners.
In general, however, he recommends playing and enjoying Black Desert and other games in a way that brings the most fun.
Is RisingSun now leveling up to 68? No, at least it is currently not his goal to be the first to reach level 68. However, there is a possibility that we will report again in two years that RisingSun has set a new level record.
What do you think of this special achievement? Could you imagine grinding for hundreds or thousands of hours in one place?
While Black Desert is still a major success, a spin-off of the game is now being closed on Steam:
